Guide to Great Canadian Beer Festivals

September 23, 2016

For craft beer enthusiasts residing north of the 49th Parallel, there’s nothing quite like walking through the gates of one of this country’s Great Canadian Beer Festivals. Dozens of breweries, hundreds of beers and thousands of people all celebrating craft beer culture.

There’s often more than beer going on at these festivals, too. Many events feature live music, specialty food from local eateries and food trucks and sometimes the beer is served alongside samples of wine or spirits. But rest assured, at every one of the festivals on this page, craft beer is the star of the show.

A Province-by-Province Guide of Great Canadian Beer Festivals

From Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to St John’s, Newfoundland, here is the definitive guide to great Canadian Beer Festivals.

British Columbia

Hot on the tails of the craft beer boom of Washington and Oregon, B.C. swings well above its population weight class with respect to beer festivals. According to the BC Craft Brewers Guild, craft beer sales have doubled in the last four years with few signs of slowing down. New B.C. beer festivals also continue to pop up province-wide.

Okanagan Fest of Ale

When: AprilWhere: PentictonWebsite:festofale.caBreweries: 50+Number of Days: 2Why: Running for over 20 years the Okanagan Fest of Ale is one of the Okanagan’s hotspots for craft beer and culinary delights every spring. The event operates as a non-profit for local charities.

Vancouver Craft Beer Week

When: Late May/early JuneWhere: VancouverWebsite:vancouvercraftbeerweek.comBreweries: 100+Attendees: 3000Why: The kickoff to the summer beer festival starts with Vancouver Craft Beer Week. A week-long celebration at craft venues throughout Vancouver culminating with a festival at PNE Showgrounds.

When: MayWhere: KelownaWebsite:gobf.caBreweries: 40Number of Days: 3Why: In four words: beer at the lake! The setting of the GOBF on the beaches of the beautiful Okanagan Lake at Warterfront Park. Plenty of cask events and beer seminars taking place around the main event.

A brew with a view. The beautiful setting for the Great Okanagan Beer Festival.

Horseshoe Bay Craft Beer Festival

When: JuneWhere: West VancouverWebsite:horseshoebayvillage.com/beer-festivalBreweries: 15+Number of Days: 1Why: Horseshoe Bay is the birthplace of craft beer in Canada, pioneered by John Mitchell in 1982. Enjoy the fruits of John’s labour overlooking the picturesque Howe Sound at Sewell’s Marina.

East Kootenay Craft Beer Festival

When: JuneWhere: Fairmont Hot Springs ResortWebsite:fairmonthotsprings.com/events-and-festivals/beerfestNumber of Days: 1Breweries: 20Why: Set in the heart of the BC Rocky Mountains, the East Kootenay Beer Festival gives you one more good reason to head into the hills. And of course, there are hot springs!

Among the trees. Punters enjoying a brew in the shade. Image: Farmhouse Fest

Squamish Beer Festival

When: JulyWhere: SquamishWebsite:squamishbeerfestival.comBreweries: 40Number of Days: 1Why: A back to basics beer festivals for beer lovers. Imbibe under the watchful eye of the Stawamus Chief.

Kinsmen Craft Beer Festival

When: JulyWhere: CoquitlamWebsite:kinsmencraftbeerfest.comBreweries: 50+Number of Days: 2Why: The Kinsmen Club of Coquitlam continues its extensive support for the community by celebrating local and international craft beer culture.

Steveston Beer Fest

When: AugustWhere: StevestonWebsite:ohares.ca/steveston-beer-festBreweries: 40Number of Days: 1Why: Showcasing local food merchants and craft breweries and cideries from BC, this very popular event sold out weeks ahead of the event in 2016. Partial proceeds go to Richmond Christmas Fund and other local charities.

PNE Craft Beer Fest

When: August/SeptemberWhere: VancouverWebsite:vancouvercraftbeerweek.comBreweries: 30Number of Days: 16Why: The producers of Vancouver Craft Beer Week partnered with PNE to bring a mini version of VCBW back for a second time during the summer. A great place to check in with what breweries have in store for the fall.

Great Canadian Beer Festival

When: SeptemberWhere: VictoriaWebsite:gcbf.comBreweries: 60+Number of Days: 2Why: The one and only Great Canadian Beer Festival! Victoria beer festival tickets are notorious for selling out quickly so get yours as soon as they go on sale around mid-July.

When: SeptemberWhere: WhistlerWebsite:wvbf.caBreweries: 40Number of Days: 5Why: Few places match the natural beauty and mountain playground found in Whistler, just two hours drive up the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver. Enjoy beers from all over Canada and the world looking up at the surrounding Coast Mountains.

For the love of beer. Fun in the sun at the Whistler Village Beer Festival.

BC Hopfest

When: OctoberWhere: AbbotsfordWebsite:bchop.ca/events/hop-festBreweries: 30Number of Days: 1Why: A celebration of every craft beer drinker’s favourite ingredient – hops! The event coincides with the annual hop harvest and as well as a host of breweries, attendees can purchase their own fresh hops on site and enjoy hop farm tours.

BC Beer Awards

When: OctoberWhere: VancouverWebsite:bcbeerawards.comBreweries: 50+Number of Days: 1Why: One of BC Craft Beer Month’s signature events, the BC Beer Awards gathers breweries from across the province to judge and award the best beers in 20 categories. This event sells out every year so get your tickets early.

Winners are grinners. Brassneck Brewery taking the win for Best in Show at the BC Beer Awards 2015. Image: BC Beer Awards

Burnaby Beer Fest

When: NovemberWhere: BurnabyWebsite:facebook.com/BBYBeerFestBreweries: 14Number of Days: 1Why: A choice of three indoor tasting sessions between 2:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. makes this a perfect early winter festival for Vancouverites. This is a fundraising event for the various outreach programs and services of Burnaby Community Services, including the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.

Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival

When: November/MarchWhere: CoquitlamWebsite:coquitlambeerfestival.comBreweries: 25+Number of Days: 1Why: The Coquitlam Beer Festival first appeared in March of 2016 and now has a return date in November for its Port Moody edition. Great alternatives for a beer fest in Vancouver’s Tri-Cities area during the colder months.

Ontario

Canada’s most populous province has a thriving craft beer scene with over 60 breweries scattered across Ontario’s vast expanse. The brewers of Ontario took home a record 38 medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2016, toppling many popular B.C. breweries. Ontario also has the most beer festivals, so a good ale is never far from reach.

The Beer Show

When: AprilWhere: SarniaWebsite:beershow.caBreweries: 12Number of Days: 2Why: Go for an evening or get the full pass for the whole weekend of beer, live music and games.

The perfect pour. The signature glass from The Beer Show in Ontario. Image: The Beer Show

Albino Rhino Beer Festival

When: MayWhere: RidgewayWebsite:facebook.com/AlbinoRhinoBeerFestBreweries: 20Number of Days: 1Why: Keeping it grass roots and all about the beer. That’s the mantra for the Albino Beer Festival, which takes place on the shores of Lake Erie.

King City Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival

When: JuneWhere: King CityWebsite: kingcraftbeerandfood.comBreweries: 12Number of Days: 1Why: What pairs better with beer than food truck eats? Grab it here in King City, along with some live music.

Because Beer

When: JulyWhere: HamiltonWebsite:becausebeer.caBreweries: 30+Number of Days: 2Why: Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or discovering craft beer for the first time because Beer is an inclusive beer festival with dynamic guest speakers, home brew competitions, live music and delicious fare served up by speciality food vendors.

Cornwall Summer Beer Fest

When: JulyWhere: CornwallWebsite:seawayfoodfestival.ca/beerfestBreweries: 20Number of Days: 1Why: An interactive beer festival where attendees are encouraged to learn and discover new food and beverages.

Ontario Craft Beer Week

Session Toronto

When: JuneWhere: Downtown TorontoWebsite:sessiontoronto.comBreweries: 25+Number of Days: 1Why: The official kickoff for Ontario Craft Beer Week, Session Toronto enjoys unique event such as Collaboration Nation, where music artists and brewers team up to brew a special beer just for this festival.

Beer in the city centre. Session Toronto beer festival in the heart of Downtown Toronto. Image: The Griffin Gastropub

YGK Craft Beer Festival

When: JuneWhere: KingstonWebsite:forthenry.com/events/beerfestBreweries: TBANumber of Days: 1Why: Pair your beer festival with some Canadian heritage and chill out on the hill overlooking downtown Kingston.

London Beer & BBQ Show

When: JuneWhere: LondonWebsite:westernfairdistrict.com/beer-bbq-showBreweries: 25+Number of Days: 3Why: Brew Masters and grill masters unite at this three-day beer and BBQ fest. Plenty of games, live music and beverage seminars, too.

Toronto Craft Beer Festival

When: JuneWhere: North YorkWebsite:tcbf.caBreweries: 20Number of Days: 2Why: Finishing Ontario Craft Beer Week with a bang, the Toronto Craft Beer Festival serves up two days of beer-fueled, summer fun.

Session Muskoka

When: JulyWhere: BracebridgeWebsite:sessionmuskoka.caBreweries: 30Number of Days: 1Why: The Griffin Events Co. throws its hat in the Ontario beer fest ring for a second time, this time in Bracebridge. Expect a similar event schedule and strong live music lineup to the Session Toronto event.

Toronto Festival of Beer

When: JulyWhere: TorontoWebsite:beerfestival.caBreweries: 30Number of Days: 1Why: With past music acts like House of Pain and Bug Sugar Reggae Style, the Toronto Festival of Beer is a party you won’t want to miss.

Niagara Craft Beer Festival

When: AugustWhere: St. CatherinesWebsite:niagaracraftbeerfestival.caBreweries: 25+Number of Days: 2Why: Focusing on small batch craft beers and ciders, Niagara Craft Beer Festival pairs drinks with delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks. All while overlooking the Martindale Pond.

BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival

When: AugustWhere: Thunder BayWebsite:brewhafestival.comBreweries: 15+Number of Days: 2Why: The first festival of its kind to hit the Thunder Bay Waterfront at the beautiful Prince Arthur’s Landing. Strap yourselves in!

Hamilton Craft Beer Fest

When: AugustWhere: HamiltonWebsite: hamiltonbeerfestival.comBreweries: 25Number of Days: 2Why: A slew of regional beers paired with all-local food and live music. Hamilton Beer Festival is also the first beer festival to go cashless with RFID-enabled wrist bands. Simply load up your account and enjoy the beer.

Ottawa Craft Beer Festival

When: AugustWhere: OttawaWebsite:ottawacraftbeerfestival.caBreweries: 50Number of Days: 3Why: Three days of craft breweries (most from Ontario) alongside Beer School and Beer University for those inclined to learn how to brew and appreciate different beers. Music performances throughout the weekend plus food from Ottawa’s best eateries.

CNE Craft Beer Festival

When: AugustWhere: Canadian National Exhibition, TorontoWebsite: theex.com/main/food/craft-beer-festBreweries: 12Number of Days: 3Why: The CNE Craft Beer Festival takes place in the heart of Food Truck Frenzy, a gathering of over 25 food trucks from all over the Toronto. This makes for the perfect food pairing experience with some of the province’s finest beers.

Toronto Beer Week

When: SeptemberWhere: TorontoWebsite:torontobeerweek.comBreweries: 40Number of Days: 9Why: Rather than a single ticketed event, Toronto Beer Week is a series of over 100 events scattered throughout the city. With dozens of venues participating, celebrations include beer dinners, cask tastings, brewing demonstrations, beer education and more.

Head for the Hills (Georgetown Craft Beer Festival)

When: SeptemberWhere: GeorgetownWebsite:headforthehills.caBreweries: 25Number of Days: 1Why: The four service clubs of Georgetown (Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis& Kinsmen) united to launch Georgetown’s first ever Craft Beer Festival in 2015. Titled “Head for the Hills.” this single day event lets attendees escape to the countryside for fresh air and fresh beer.

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

When: OctoberWhere: KitchenerWebsite:bingemans.com/oktoberfestBreweries: 12+Number of Days: 5Why: Boasting the largest Oktoberfest in North America (and second-largest in the world after Munich), the Waterloo-Kitchener Oktoberfest celebrates traditional Bavarian-style beer and food for several dates in early October.

La Salle Craft Beer Festival

When: OctoberWhere: WindsorWebsite:lasallecraftbeerfest.caBreweries: 12Number of Days: 2Why: The chill of fall won’t stop folks from enjoying fresh beer in La Salle, featuring mostly regional breweries and local live music acts.

Ottawa Valley Craft Beer Festival

When: OctoberWhere: PembrokeWebsite:ovcbf.caBreweries: TBANumber of Days: 1Why: The end of October may be a bit cool to sample beer on the Ottawa River, but the indoor venue at the Best Western Pembroke Inn & Conference Centre will make sure all attendees keep their bodies warm and their beer at perfect ale temperature.

Burlington Winter Beer Festival

When: JanuaryWhere: KitchenerWebsite:burlingtonbeerfest.comBreweries: 40Number of Days: 2Why: After two years running both summer and winter beer festivals, Burlington has now stuck with its winter programming only. An indoor venue with an amazing variety of beers, ciders and spirits will wash your post-holiday blues away.

Quebec

La Belle Province, may not have the volume of beer festivals seen in neighbouring Ontario, but there are still plenty of opportunities to tuck into breweries of Canada’s east with most festivals running for multiple days. The Quebec brewers maintain a very strong reputation for their beers, so be sure brush up on your French this festival season.

Mondial de la Biere Montreal

When: JuneWhere: MontrealWebsite:festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca/en/festivals/mondial_de_la_biere_montreal_2016Breweries: 100+Number of Days: 5Why: One of the few global beer festival franchises, Mondial de la Biere puts on events in Montreal, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and Mulhouse, France. Since 1994 this event has grown to attract as many as 190,000 visitors, a rallying week for Montreal beer lovers.

Festival des Bieres d’Alma

When: JulyWhere: AlmaWebsite:bieresalma.comBreweries: 40+Number of Days: 3Why: Taking place on Alma’s iconic Sacred Heart Street, Festival des Bieres attracts approximately 12,000 people over its three days with a regional focus on the breweries of Quebec. Add to that a host of live music acts, and conference workshops with brewers and you’ve got a festival not to be missed

Festibiere

When: January, May, JuneWhere: Gatineau, Rouyn-NorandaWebsite:festibiere.caBreweries: 40Number of Days: 3Why: Festibiere runs a series of beer festivals in Gatineau and Royn-Noranda as well as Ottawa and Toronto during the winter. Festibiere is known for its eclectic music programming and comprehensive and educational beer seminars.

Festival de la Biere Cote-Nord

When: AugustWhere: Baie-ComeauWebsite:festivalbierecotenord.comBreweries: 15+Number of Days: 3Why: Held on the north shore of the St. Lawrence river in picturesque Baie-Comeau, this festival combines live music, games tournaments and of course, plenty of opportunity to sample the best craft beers in the region.

La Soiree des Brasseurs

When: AugustWhere: ShawniganWebsite:soireedesbrasseurs.comBreweries: 30Number of Days: 1Why: An all-Quebec gathering of breweries on the shores of Riviere Saint-Maurice in Shawnigan. Plenty of off-site activities taking place in Shawnigan and a shuttle runs from Montreal, Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres.

Festival de Brasseurs de Dolbeau-Mistassini

When: AugustWhere: Dolbeau-MistassiniWebsite:festivaldesbrasseurs.comBreweries: 15Number of Days: 2Why: A beautiful setting at the confluence of the Mistassibi River, Riviere aux Rats and the Mistassini River, Festival de Brasseurs supports local and regional Quebec brewers. Held in downtown, there is no entry fee with coupons able to be purchased for each sample.

IBU: Immersion Brassicole Unique

When: AugustWhere: MontrealWebsite:ibu-ambq.caBreweries: 60Number of Days: 3Why: A play on the acronym for International Bitterness unit (IBU), Immersion Brassicole Unique is produced by the Association of Quebec Microbreweries (AMBQ) and strives to provide Montreal with a fresh take on beer festivals. Beers are grouped by geographical area and theme rather than by brand. Proceeds help finance the AMBQ to enhance Quebec’s microbrewing vitality.

Bieres et Saveurs de Chambly

When: SeptemberWhere: ChamblyWebsite:bieresetsaveurs.comBreweries: 60+Number of Days: 4Why: Now in its 15th year, more than 60,000 festival goers gather at Fort Chambly Park for this annual celebration of beer, cider, food and wine. There is plenty of entertainment and educational workshops, from live music to cooking demonstrations.

New Brunswick

With the most beer festivals of any of the maritime provinces, New Brunswick is not being left behind in the eastern Canada’s craft beer scene. The city of Fredericton especially enjoys a high concentration of craft brewers in the area.

Fredericton Craft Beer Festival

When: MarchWhere: FrederictonWebsite:frederictoncraftbeerfestival.comBreweries: 60Number of Days: 1Why: Sticking to its tagline of “All about the beer”, Fredericton Craft Beer Festival keeps it simple by inviting as many brewers as possible for attendees to sample.

Atlantic Beer Festival

When: MayWhere: MonctonWebsite:atlanticbeerfestival.caBreweries: 65Number of Days: 3Why: One of New Brunswick’s longest running beer festivals, the Atlantic Beer Festival now seeks to involve Moncton’s local pubs and bars in its three- day celebration.

Oktoberfest des Acadiens

When: SeptemberWhere: BertrandWebsite:oktoberfestdesacadiens.comBreweries: TBANumber of Days: 4Why: A Bavarian beer festival with traditional music, food and atmosphere with some educational workshops. Additional music acts make this an excellent close to the summer in Bertrand.

Nova Scotia

There’s a million reasons to visit the beautiful Atlantic province of Nova Scotia, but with two established beer festivals, there is now a million and two. With a whopping 36 breweries in one of Canada’s smallest provinces, the beer per capita ratio is more than favourable

Halifax Seaport Beer Festival

When: MarchWhere: HalifaxWebsite:seaportbeerfest.comBreweries: 90+Number of Days: 2Why: Going strong for over 10 years now, Seaport Beer Festival gathers breweries from all over the world for this two-day extravaganza. Worth travelling for!

Cape Breton Beer Festival

When: NovemberWhere: SydneyWebsite:capebretonbeerfest.comBreweries: 8Number of Days: 1Why: What’s better than one of the top island destinations in the world? A beer festival on one of the top island destinations in the world! Small and humble but oozing with character, Cape Breton visitors get a warming welcome in November.

Saskatchewan

It may have only one beer fest but SK folk get their chance to try some of the country’s finest beer and ciders with some big name live music. Look out for YXE Beer Fest every August.

YXE Beer Fest

When: AugustWhere: SaskatoonWebsite:yxebeerfest.comBreweries: 50+Number of Days: 2Why: Saskatoon’s beer lovers get one big party at YXE, part beer festival, part music festival. Expect some of the city’s best food trucks to be on site.

Manitoba

The prairies aren’t known for the strongest craft beer movement, but once a year the flatlanders get their chance to indulge in one of the biggest beer festivals in the west. Winnipeg brings it every June to kick off the summer.

Flatlanders Beer Festival

When: JuneWhere: WinnipegWebsite: flatlandersbeerfest.comBreweries: 120+Number of Days: 2Why: Plenty of tasting seminars, hundreds of beers from every corner of the globe. Plus a chance to win tickets to the Jets!

Newfoundland & Labrador

Canada’s easternmost province is not forgotten on this list. St John’s reaches closest to the beer motherland of Europe with its very own beer festival.

St John’s Brew Fest

When: SeptemberWhere: St John’sWebsite:stjohnsbrewfest.caBreweries: TBANumber of Days: 1Why: Brought to you by the NL Artisanal Craft Beer Club, who thought St John’s finally deserved its own beer fest. An indoor gathering for a great community.

A paddle full of goodness. Samples served up at the St John’s Brew Fest. Image: St. John’s BrewFest

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island doesn’t have a huge population, but they love beer, obviously. Bed down in Charlottetown in September to try the best beers on PEI.

PEI Beer Festival

When: SeptemberWhere: CharlottetownWebsite:beerfestpei.comBreweries: 30+Number of Days: 2Why: A mix of beer sampling and acoustic live music makes for a great start to the evening in Charlottetown. Special tickets available for designated drivers.

Yukon Territory

Canada’s true north has its share of craft beer lovers and Yukon Brewing in Whitehorse has been providing an alternative to macro beer for years. Where else but Whitehorse?

Yukon Beer Festival

When: OctoberWhere: WhitehorseWebsite:yukonbeerfestival.comBreweries: TBANumber of Days: 2Why: Now in its third year, Yukon Beer Festival has cemented Whitehorse as Canada’s most northern bastion of craft beer.

With So Many Great Canadian Beer Festivals, Where Do You Begin?

With so many great options across the country at any time of year, there’s never been a better time to attend one of the many great Canadian beer festivals in the Great White North. If you’ve ever considered a beer-centric road trip in Canada, let this list guide you to the best beer festivals. You may not have the chance to visit them all, but you can try!

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN...

Assembling a team of stoke is not a task we took lightly. Whistler is oozing with passionate individuals following their dreams and leaving a trail of inspiration along the way. Fuelled by a go-getter...

Rolling waves greeted the shore with a hint of salt while we waxed our boards. We sat on driftwood logs soaking up as much of the morning sun on our exposed skin as possible before tucking our arms and...

The 2017 Whistler Village Beer Festival is happening from September 13-17 in beautiful Whistler, B.C. This fantastic festival of craft beer features two days of tasting events in Whistler Olympic Plaza...